Maison Villers — Specialty Store in Clignancourt, Paris

Maison Villers is an independent specialty shop on Avenue de la Prte de Clignancourt, in Clignancourt, a short hop from Simplon station. You walk in and the first thing you see is the pastry display: croissants, pain au chocolat, and a spread of sweet and savoury things that runs well past the classics.

The croissant is the reason to come. It is large, flaky and layered, and at 1.20 it is the cheapest good breakfast in this corner of the 18th. The pain au chocolat holds up the same way. For lunch, the Thai chili sandwich is the one to order, with the chicken avocado close behind; both are substantial enough to carry you through an afternoon. The burrata bagel with veal ham is the filling option if you want something heavier.

The shop works as a counter and terrace. You order at the counter, then sit outside if there is room. Staff are warm and patient, and they handle a group of tired students as easily as a solo coffee. The coffee and cappuccino are good, and the smoothies are worth a try.

Prices stay low across the board: a croissant at 1.20, specialty pastries never above 2.50, and sandwiches in the same modest band. That is the whole appeal here: breakfast and lunch for a few euros, every day of the week, from early morning until 2 am.

Come before the morning rush or after the lunch peak if you want to eat without watching the clock.